May 23, 2014

GOV. MALLOY: FUNDS FOR THE REPAIR OF LEBANON'S SAVIN LAKE DAM EXPECTED TO BE APPROVED BY BOND COMMISSION

Nearly $3 Million Needed to Repair Dam

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that nearly $3 million to fund repair of the Savin Lake Dam in Lebanon is expected to be approved at the next meeting of the state Bond Commission.

"Savin Lake Dam is in very poor condition and in immediate need of significant repairs," said Governor Malloy. "This funding is necessary to not only eliminate a possible public safety risk but will also increase the community's access to the lake for fishing and boating."

Savin Lake Dam consists of an earthen embankment with significant erosion and a dense growth of trees. The primary spillway is severely deteriorated and in need of replacement. The concrete training walls on both sides of the spillway are exhibiting significant deterioration and need to be either replaced or repaired.

"Savin Lake Dam is more than 70 years old and needs significant repairs," said Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee. "The funding being requested will allow DEEP to make the necessary repairs to improve the safety of the dam and to also improve off-street parking making it more accessible to anglers and boaters."

"Agriculture is Lebanon's principle industry, and the Savin Farm is not only a land lease for some major dairy operations in the area, its 52-acre lake is also a recreation destination for area residents," said State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague). "I'm happy to have advocated in the State Senate for the repair of the Savin Lake Dam and the protection of this valuable environmental area."

State Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester, Lebanon, Mansfield, Windham) said, "This project has been in the works for years. I am so pleased that Governor Malloy and our team of Lebanon legislators are making sure funding is available for repairs to Savin Lake Dam. We want to make sure the dam has the backbone to do its job - protecting area property."

"Savin Dam and Lake are part of the valuable Savin Farm property, which has been slated for preservation because of legislation put forward in this year's legislative session," said State Representative Brian Sear (D-Canterbury). "I applaud the efforts of the state to maximize the safety and effectiveness of this dam, which handles water that is part of the largest aquifer in Lebanon, as well as the watershed feeding the Yantic River in Norwich, which is susceptible to flooding."

The Bond Commission meeting will be held on Friday, May 30 in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

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For Immediate Release: May 23, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy